Monroe County Commissioner resigns after drug conviction

MONROE COUNTY, Michigan — A Monroe County commissioner is resigning following a federal drug conviction. Randy Richardville, county commissioner and vice chairman of District 5, confirmed this to WTOL 11 on Wednesday.

Mark Brant, who represents Monroe County's Second District and serves as chairman of the committee, pleaded guilty in March to maintaining a drug den. He was sentenced earlier this month to 18 months in prison and will be on probation for two years after his incarceration.

In Brant's indictment, dated December 15, 2022, he was accused of distributing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana in violation of federal law.

Brant is running for re-election in November and hopes to keep his seat on the all-Republican body. He is running unopposed. Richardville told WTOL 11 on Tuesday it was too late to remove Brant from the ballot. BHowever, if the convicted commissioner is re-elected, Richardville said, the decision on how to proceed would lie with the newly elected board.

“There's a chance that a candidate who isn't on the ballot can say, 'Hey, given the circumstances, I'm going to run for this position,'” Richardville said.

Rick Kull, chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Party, said the party plans to campaign for candidate Danielle Hoover.

Richardville told WTOL 11 on Tuesday that he does not believe the Republican Party has selected an alternative candidate to Brant as its nominee.

The commissioners, elected in November 2024 and sworn in in 2025, will hold their offices for four years. Richardville said Tuesday that If Brant is removed from office or vacates his seat within the first two years of his four-year term, a special election will be held.